[Many influential names will tell you that Chef Michael Schwartz, is unique among America’s top chef’s. As a James Beard Award winner he put Miami’s Design Disctrict on the culinary map when he opened Michael’s Genuine Food and Drink in 2007. As the dust cover of his Michael’s Genuine Food explains:

Michael focuses on sourcing exceptional ingredients and treating them properly – which usually means simply.

His salads quickly become meals, as do his pastas, pizzas, soups or sandwiches. Until he becomes a kosher Chef, I”ll have to take other food writers’ words as to his true excellence; meanwhile, however, I have to post this recipe I’ve adapted from his book. I adapted the recipe below, this past Sunday eve, and it afforded me a glimpse into what makes Michael Schwartz such a great chef. CS]

Slow Roasted Boneless Short Ribs with Romesco Sauce

Detail of a photo by: Ben Fink – on page 149

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 tbsp sweet smoked paprika

2 tbsp ground ginger

2 tbsp chilli powder

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 cup canola oil

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

6 lb boneless beef short ribs

1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling

3 cups assorted mixed greens

1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 cup romesco sauce *

2 tbsp skinned hazelnuts, toasted and chopped **

1 lemon, cut in wedges

Directions

In a small bowl, combine the paprika, ginger, chilli powder, garlic, canola oil, and 1 tbsp each of salt and pepper; stir thoroughly to combine. Rub the spice mixture all over the short ribs to to evenly coat the meat. Transfer the ribs to a large resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

Preheat the oven to 300 F. Arrange the short ribs on a wire rack set on top of a baking pan. Bake for 1 !/2 hours, to render the fat. Remove the ribs and the rack, discard the fat, and return the ribs to the pan (without the rack). Cover with foil and bake until tender, about 1 1/2 hours. Allow the ribs to cool to room temperature, then cover and chill completely in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Preheat a grill pan to medium-high heat. Cut the ribs against the grain into 1-inch strips, reserving the scraps. Drizzle the ribs for 2-3 minutes. on each side, until nicely charred.

In a mixing bowl, toss the salad greens with the oil and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper.

To serve, divide the ribs among 4 platesand arrange a handful of salad greens next to them. Spoon the the romesco sauce over the ribs, sprinkle with the nuts, and garnish with lemon wedges.

Put a skillet over medium heat and coat with 1 tbsp oil. When the oil is hot, add the onion and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until the onion is caramelized, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool to room temperature.

In a food processor, combine the red peppers with the vinegar, lemon juice, tomato paste, and garlic. Process for 10 to 15 seconds until smooth. Add the croutons and the nuts; process for another 10 to 15 seconds until thick. With the processor running, slowly drizzle in the remaining 1 cup oil until incorporated. If the sauce is too thick for your taste, add water, a tablespoon at a time, and pulse a couple of times to combine. Season the sauce with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use, for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before serving.

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** Toasting Nuts

Preheat the oven to 350 F. Spread the nuts in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Bake, checking the nuts periodically, until they they are fragrant and lightly toasted. Depending on the type of nut this may take from 8 to 15 minutes. For example: pine nuts toast faster than pecans.